Ecobee, the pioneer in smart thermostat technology, is making a significant change by discontinuing support for its original smart thermostat after 16 years. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat, which first hit the market in 2008, will no longer receive firmware upgrades or connect to Ecobee’s servers, effectively losing its smart capabilities on July 31st, 2024.
As a result of this decision, users of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat and the Ecobee Energy Management System (EMS) thermostats will no longer be able to control their devices remotely or utilize any smart integrations that rely on internet connectivity. However, these devices will still function as traditional HVAC controllers, requiring manual operation directly on the device.
To ease the transition for affected customers, Ecobee is offering a 30 percent discount on a new Ecobee thermostat, applicable for up to 15 thermostats per user. Users who are eligible for the discount should have received an email with the offer details. Those who have not received the communication can reach out to Ecobee’s VP of product design, Bryan Hurren, for assistance in obtaining a discount code.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat, introduced in 2008, was a trailblazer in the realm of connected thermostats, preceding the likes of the Nest Learning Thermostat. Despite the discontinuation of the original smart thermostat and the EMS model in 2013, Ecobee remains committed to supporting its other legacy thermostats, such as the EMS SI, Smart SI, and Ecobee 3. Notably, the Ecobee 3 and other current models like the Ecobee3 Lite, Smart Thermostat Premium, and Smart Thermostat Enhanced will not be affected by the support cessation.
Ecobee’s decision to discontinue support for the original smart thermostat reflects the company’s response to evolving technology standards and the challenges associated with maintaining outdated hardware. While acknowledging the potential inconvenience this may cause to users, Ecobee is actively exploring solutions to assist impacted individuals during this transition.
Noteworthy in today’s tech landscape where rapid upgrades are the norm, Ecobee’s extended support for technology dating back 16 years stood out. However, this move underscores the inherent risk associated with cloud-dependent devices, as discontinuation of cloud support can render smart features obsolete, underscoring the importance of considering long-term support when investing in connected devices.
Despite the changes affecting the original Ecobee smart thermostat, Ecobee continues to innovate and support its array of modern thermostat offerings, ensuring that users can enjoy the benefits of smart home technology while adapting to evolving industry standards.
